This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) helped improve malaria detection in the Dominican Republic. Normally, regular health data isn't enough to show if malaria has stopped spreading, especially when cases are low. By adding CHW data to the system, more areas could confidently be shown to be free of malaria, and for longer periods. The study found that CHW … [Read more...] about Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
This study assessed how community health workers (CHWs) improved malaria detection in the Dominican Republic. Using a statistical method (Freedom from Infection, FFI), researchers combined routine health data with CHW data from 33 facilities (2018–2022). Without CHW data, only 52% of facilities could confirm being malaria-free for about 13 months. Adding CHW data increased this … [Read more...] about Incorporating Community Case Management in Risk-Based Surveillance for Malaria Elimination in the Dominican Republic
Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in emergency medical responses, helping build trust, improve communication, and provide follow-up care. Case studies from The Bahamas and Sierra Leone show that integrating CHWs into Mobile Medical Teams (MMTs) boosts health outcomes, with Sierra Leone seeing a 32% increase in health referrals. This approach highlights the … [Read more...] about Bridging the Gap: Community Health Workers as a Vital Link in Humanitarian Medical Responses
The role of a structured community health worker network in achieving malaria elimination goals in the Dominican Republic: An impact evaluation amid COVID-19 disruptions
Community health workers (CHWs) in the Dominican Republic played a key role in reducing malaria cases in urban areas of Greater Santo Domingo. From 2019 to 2022, malaria cases dropped from 1,243 to just 6. CHWs identified and treated cases faster than health facilities, with most cases found through proactive household visits. Although COVID-19 disrupted their work, the network … [Read more...] about The role of a structured community health worker network in achieving malaria elimination goals in the Dominican Republic: An impact evaluation amid COVID-19 disruptions
Optimizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Belize and Understanding its Unique Intermediary Position within the Health System: Perspective from the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Approach
This study assessed Belize’s national community health worker (CHW) program, which has been crucial in improving population health since its launch in 1982. Using a qualitative approach, the research found that while the program has benefited from strategic health system changes and WHO guidelines, challenges remain in areas like funding, medication availability, and … [Read more...] about Optimizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Belize and Understanding its Unique Intermediary Position within the Health System: Perspective from the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Approach
